Reconciliation in
Action
Wood carving for reconciliation and community action in Saint John, NB.
Chi Mokaman:
“Today I give who I am to honour the heartbeat of change.”
The Prizes.
2 chests made of basswood, walnut, and Spanish cedar hand carved by Chi Mokaman. Also, 1 wall hanging carved with 6 unique features that is called “Patience” that tells a story of healing. To learn more about some of the animals that indigenous culture refers to as “relatives” read below.
"The turtle represents purity, a beginning place where we all collectively meet on equal beginning. Our desire for community renovation, social healing is embraced by the relative eagle. This relative represents truth, courage, and honour of Creator. The relative Bear represents introspection. Both male and female representation are equal and balanced in nature.”
“To fully understand what has relevance, purpose, and value one must look within. Such discovery will unfold nourishment for one's creation that is represented in Hummingbird which opens up the chest. This also opens the door of who we can become together.”
“The weave of Spanish cedar represents our circle of brothers and sisters who are the Tool Library. Together we are unbreakable. Together we honour change, and our belief in our brothers and sisters. This, to us, is reconciliation.”
“Blue Heron represents patience. This is how we heal together. This is how we forgive and understand each other, and make a difference in the day we are granted to realize.”
CHI
Artist Chi Mokaman
I was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia 07/20/1959. I was born from a MI'kmaq mother and Irish father. Both cultures would play a distinctive role in my journey toward self discovery, and in seeking relevance in what I embrace as sacred.
Although I understand the inherent significance in embracing ancestors, wisdom, and knowledge. Honoring my obligation to healing of self and others knows no observance of differences. All who share this mother earth are my brothers and sisters.
The path I have known has been one that has known both self destructive harm and resurrection of who I was meant to be. I have known the abuse of government and church and now walk in a place where I hold no resentment or direct any energy of negative nature.
The art I create is not done in isolation. I walk with a deep recognition that I represent a gift from my Creator.
My spirit is nourished by those who touch my heart. It is embraced through a circle of brothers and sisters who share a common desire. We are a collective of souls who choose to make a difference in our community.
My ability to carve, and my knowledge of the relatives that take form is realized from many years of introspective contemplation, and in having the privilege of being touched by gentle spirits.
My name is Chi Mokaman (Cree). Translated into english it means Big Knife. I know how to breathe today because of the grace of many people who cared enough to instill hope. Today I give who I am to honour the heartbeat of change.
Today I am reconciling in the circle the Creator has granted me to be a part of. It is this truth that is my inspiration, and my faith that we can all heal. We all possess transformative love. In this dwells the significance of purpose.
All of my relations: CHI
Food, Shelter, Security for Our Community
The Saint John Tool Library has been on a mission to Inspire, Equip, and Revitalize our neighborhoods since 2018.
Every ticket sold on works of art created supports initiatives in Saint John that make an impact in our community. We support three major needs: food, shelter, and security.
We are a community organization that brings the community together to solve problems. As Canada's oldest city we have unique problems around poverty and homelessness that we believe can only be solved at the community level. We have a lending library of tools that our community can access to support and empower people.
We provide training to people who need to gain access to work. We also have a local initiative we call the Community Build that helps people and organizations tackle renovation projects by bringing volunteers together to support their needs.
For food we support the Saint John Community Food Basket to support food security in our city. For security we support First Steps which is a transitional house for mothers and children who are housing insecure. For shelter we support our own Community Build initiative to develop more cooperative and non-profit housing in our community.